The Highland Fling 2013

Highland Fling Website

Results

The Highland Fling is a 53 mile Ultra Race from Milngavie just outside of Glasgow to Tyndrum on the West Highland Way long distance path.  The race itself is now in its 8th year and originally started off as a training race for the West Highland Way race held in June but The Fling has now grown to become the biggest Ultra Race in the UK and now also hosts the UK and Scottish Trail race championships.  From less than 10 competitors 8 years ago the field has now grown to almost 600 including some of the cream of ultra distance running in the UK.  Originally the race was conceived by Murdo MacDonald and Ellen McVie, Murdo has passed the mantle of to John Duncan who has continued to grow this race beyond recognition.

Highland Fling 2013

 

I entered the Highland Fling this year as a warmup for the West Highland Way Race. Actually scrub that, I should say it was meant as a shock to my body to get me back into running on trails and off road. After three months of training on canals and roads for the 100k I felt I needed to get back into the way of trail running again. I had intended on doing some easier WHW runs before the Fling but my legs had been in such a state that I managed one run the week before. Luckily it was a good one. 

 

Looking at the runners in the race I was glad this was to be a training run. The big guns were here for the GB and Scottish trail Championships. I was glad that I could sit back and relax.  That was until Debbie announced she would support me. Then that Sharon would too. I then added Thomas to the mix myself. So now I had a world class support team of two GB athletes and last years Scottish 100k champion I couldn't really do this race any other way but 100%. Recovery from the 100k though had been difficult. I could barely walk the first week and then barely ran the second week after it. By the time I was running properly everything was tight and sore. Then once I finally got going I pulled something in my calf. This was now my biggest concern and I spent the week before the Fling nursing it along. 

 

Milngavie to Drymen

Distance 12.18 miles

We started off after the briefest of race briefing.  I like it that way.  I can't really listen to them when I just want to get started. Straight away a small group formed in front of me.  Perhaps 4 or 5 runners. Insert runners I was in a second group with Matt Williamson, Paul Giblin, Paul Fernandez and a few others.

 

If you have ever ran the Fling you know that the start is the section that has the most consequence on your finishing time. The 12 miles to Drymen can be run at half marathon pace although 

that would be stupidity in an ultra and thankfully not many people try that. I am one that has always thought that 1:30 is the fastest you should do this section and that it will pay dividends later on in the race. Well after telling everyone all week that would listen that you shouldn't go out fast I did the complete opposite and did it in 1:23. And do you know something it felt fantastic. 

I was chatting away with Matt and I was having a great time. The groups thinned out until it was only the faster group at the front, perhaps 30 or 40 meters away and then the group I was in. When I glanced round I couldn't see anyone behind us at all. On the way past Glengoyne Distillery I noticed us catching another runner. It was Stuart Mills. I was excited at catching him but also slightly worried as he is weIl known for starting races fast. Still I was chatting away and it felt effortless so I continued on. As I got near to my Support team I was at the front and thought they would shout at me for leading such a crazy pace so I stopped for a quick toilet break and then joined the group at the back again.

Just as we were approaching Drymen one of our group appeared to pull off and ran at break neck speed away from us. I remember the chat at the time : who is that? anyone know that guy?  Someone also added that they were sure they would see him broken at the side of the road by half way. 

 

 

Into Drymen and I was shocked at the pace we had hit here. Although it felt fine I had noticed that my dodgy calf was getting a bit sorer and stiffer. It really hit me though in the hill out of Drymen. 

 

Drymen to Rowardennan

 

Distance 14.9 miles

Total 27.08

 

Our group certainly thinned more on the hill out of Drymen and it was now Matt, Paul Giblin and me at the front with Paul Fernandez not far behind. Paul F had won the 50k 4 weeks before and had run it in 3:05. A fantastic time and under 6 min miling for the whole thing. We were doing just under 7 min miles and I thought he sounded like he was breathing hard for the slower pace but he didnt seem to be in any discomfort. 

The hill was tiring for me though and the calf was certainly starting to throb more. My legs also felt like they didn't have as much kick in them as they should. It certainly felt like the 100k was still in them and I was getting worried that I wouldn't have 53 miles in them. 

 

I reluctantly let Matt and Paul Giblin go. I knew I would blow my race if I continued at this pace and worse I may end up knackering my calf. I was really annoyed because I felt the pace was very comfortable. Paul Fernandes went by me too and then Andrew James.  My legs were really struggling at this point but slowing just that small amount I was able to take at least keep moving.  I arrived at Conic hill and had to walk up some of it.  But I noticed that the runners were not getting much further in front and even some of them were walking too.  At least I wasn't losing any more distance or if I was it was only a small amount.  I met Ian Beattie at the top of the hill and he gave me a wee boost by telling me I was bang on target.  I wasn’t really sure what my target was but it helped anyway.

 

I wasn’t far behind Paul and Andrew on the way down the hill to Balmaha.  Running was now feeling easier again and I relaxed a bit.

I met Cairn and Sharon on the way down too.  I really enjoyed seeing Cairn during the run today. He gave me a big smile and a high five and I continued on meeting the rest of my support team in Balmaha.  Debbie and Thomas were faultless and I made a quick turnover and headed out in front of Paul and James.  

I was spurred on and ready for the Lochside.  To me that is one third of the race gone already.  Okay its the easy third but still its a third.

 

A lot of people hate the lochside but I like it.  It deserves a lot of respect and if you push even a fraction too hard it will gobble you up and spit you out like a quivering wreck at Beinglas.  You will then take an eternity to get to Tyndrum, all the time wrecking your legs and increasing your recovery from the race.  So its important to pace this perfectly.  I had ignored my pacing plan to Balmaha and so now I had to get my head screwed on at the Lochside or this B race would end up wrecking my West Highland Way preparation and I would be lucky to get a PB or a top 30 finish.

 

The first couple of inclines went by without too many issues but then after not long my legs felt awful.  This wasnt going to be my day I kept thinking.  I cursed the 100K for killing my legs.  I should be flying along here I thought.  Paul and Andrew went by and then Donnie Campbell too.  They all looked so relaxed and comfortable.  I had now dropped to 10th or 11th place and was out of contention for a Scottish Medal too as I was now 4th Scot too.  My heart sank again and I started to wonder if this was a good idea continuing.  My calf hurt and I was wondering if I was making it worse.  Thomas met me in the middle of no-where and I stopped and walked to him.  “Get going” he shouted in his increasingly more and more Scottish laced German accent.  “I can’t Thomas, my legs are knackered”  Thomas in reply shoved a Chocolate Brioche and Jelly Babies in my hand and pushed me on my way.  I jogged along trying to eat the Jelly Babies and looking at the Brioche wondering how the heck I was gonna eat it.  It looked hellishly dry.  Debbie and Sharon appeared in the car beside me.  “You are doing fantastic Marco, is there anything you need at the next checkpoint”  

“Nah, my legs are goosed.”and then threw half of the Brioche at Sharon hitting her in the face.  I ran off leaving them both shocked.

On I jogged.  I started to eat what was left of the Brioche to find out it was easy to eat.  Damn, I wish I hadn't thrown it at Sharon now. Karma I thought.

 

At Sallochy my support team were mobilised and ready for me.  I came in a sorry pitiful sight.  They shoved painkillers and red bull into me and pushed me on my way.  All done in seconds. 

I kept going on.  I was sure I was going slow and at anytime the 400 people behind me would slowly start to push by but it didn't happen.  In fact the opposite did.  I caught up someone else who looked in a far worse state than me.  They got out my way and it pushed me on.  The painkillers and Red Bull kicked in and I started running faster.  Still I didnt want to push too hard so I ran economically and walked fast up any hills.  I had trained to run the hills so it was a bit worrying but I wasn’t gonna complain as I felt like I was going again.

 

I came into Rowardennan and I have to say I was a bit all over the place here.  I didnt feel like I was all there and people were shouting things all over the place and I didnt really understand it.  But what I do remember was seeing Paul Giblin.  This gave me a wee push.  Perhaps I hadnt been that slow along the Lochside so far.  Maybe I can get going aga

in?  Paul left first but after more Red Bull and a load of sugar from my team I was on my way again.  It was like someone had strapped a bomb to me.

 

Rowardennan to Beinglas

Distance 14.08

Total 41.16

 

I left Rowardennan and before long I could see Paul in the distance.  I remember doing this section a couple of years ago with Paul during the West Highland Way and he was so strong.  If I could hold onto him he could pull me along.  I caught up with Paul and found out he had fallen before Rowardennan and had a terrible section too.  We arrived at the first hill and I thought that I would have my work cut out trying to walk up here if Paul ran it but instead he seemed to drift behind me and I went ahead.  I tried to be sensible as I didn’t want the legs to go again so I walked quickly and then ran as soon as I could.  I kept expecting Paul to catch up but he didn’t.  I then got another boost when I turned a corner and met Keith Hughs who was walking the WHW.  I walked with him up one of the hills and he told me I was doing great.  I still didnt think so but pushed on, sneaking a look back to see that I couldn’t see Paul behind.

All the way to Inversnaid I tried to run economically and not push too hard.  I was starting to relax and dare I say I was enjoying it now.  The first time since just before Drymen.  My calf was still hurting but it wasn’t too distressing.  I arrived in Inversnaid desperate for some sugar.  Karen, George and David Gow were there and handed me a bottle of coke.  I drank it so fast that I spent the next 10 minutes burping.  Always seemed to burp when I caught walkers too.

 

I couldnt believe the difference in my legs.  They felt fresh and I was now scrambling up and down the hills.  It was really good fun after a winter of canal training.  I played around too trying different ways of running on the terrain.  All in preparation for the WHW race in June.  This was also a test for my shoes and they seemed to be doing okay too (Inov-8 Rocklites) although y the end of the race I had managed to rip them.

 

All of a sudden I caught sight of another runner.  Well I think it was.  If you have ran this section you will know its tough to see very far ahead or behind you.   No it most certainly was another runner and they looked like they were struggling.  It was Paul Fernandes and he looked like he was having an issue with his pack while running along.  I pushed to catch him and it wasn't long before I overtook him.  I was starting to enjoy this.  Within another 10 minutes I caught sight of another runner but I would not pass him so easily.  It was Andrew James and he held the record for the Fling.  He wasnt doing record pace today but he certainly wasnt letting me overtake him.  As I drew close he sped away and my technique of now walking all the hills want working.  He would run up them.  He didnt seem so sure on the rocky sections and I would catch up there but then we would reach a hill and he would fly up them.

The last hill before Beinglas he took a lot out of me and I could see his luminous top run off into the distance.  No worries Marco. You will be faster on the next sectio

n.

 

As I came in towards Beinglas I felt a glow.  I had saved this race and I was going great guns now.  I was in 7th place and 3rd Scot.  I couldnt wait to see my support team and show them that they hadnt wasted their day out.  This was gonna be my day.

 

 

Beinglas to Tyndrum

 

Distance 12.23

Total 53.39

 

As I came into Beinglas I couldnt see my support team.  Then all of a sudden I heard a disbelieving shout....  “Its Marco”  

I think I even surprised them.  I was smiling and enjoying myself.  They handed me a Magnum Ice Cream and I ate three quarters of it in one mouthful and then they handed me my Red Bull.  Which I topped up the my already full mouth.  

Debbie was pushing me on telling me I was right behind Andrew James.  I was nodding - unable to speak.  Mouth full.

On I went.  I couldnt chew the concoction in my mouth.  It was lovely but I couldnt swallow.  Eventually it melted enough and I got back into my stride.  I could see Andrew James.  Right you I thought.  I am gonna catch you.  He stopped for a toilet break and I smiled to myself.  He is having toilet issues.  That is why I am catching him.  I knowits not that sporting of me but it happens to all of us Ultra runners and I was going to seize this moment.  I started to run to try and catch him but I never did.  Perhaps with less weight he was faster now.  He flew off.  (I later found out he was never that far ahead of me but I thought he was)

I could see another runner now and I thought I would catch him but he was also too strong.  I thought that they ended up miles in front of me but they weren't by the end.

 

For a sub 8 time I knew what I had to do.  I had 2 hours 15 minutes to do it so I started to relax again.  I was here for a PB and not to kill myself.

 

I always find this section slow going.  I suppose everyone does.  You don’t notice it but there is a fair amount of climbing from Beinglas to Crianlarich and after the Loch section I think you expect this part to be easier.  It never is and that also drains you a bit.

 

I could still see Andrew James in front and every  flat section I tried to catch him.  But every hill he would get further away again.  By Carmyle Cottage I met my support and could tell that I had slipped behind a bit as they no longer pushed me to catch Andrew.  I didn’t mind.  I was onto a PB and a good placing.  It was not an embarrassment to be beaten for a place by the current record holder.

 

From the cottage to Carmyle I had a good section, running most of it but taking some walking breaks.  I even had time to enjoy some of the scenery and even watch the Harry Potter train go by.  Cow Poo junction was even worse than I remembered it ever being but I was happy and didn’t mind.  I met Thomas at Crianlarich and we walked up the hill together as he fed me more coke.  It was all very like a training run and I didn’t have any real  urgency.  Now and then I would check my watch to make sure I was on target for the sub 8 and then I would continue my jog to the end while enjoying the scenery and actually enjoying myself.  A far cry from earlier on at the start of the Lochside.

 

I reached the wigwams to be greeted by my excellent support team.  My relaxed running was shattered when they announced that if I got my finger out I could break 7:45.  Now the race was on.  I buckled down and started to run as much as I could.  Now and then I would have a small walk.  A couple of paces and then force myself to run again.  My watch was the enemy as it counted ever closer to 7:45.

 

7:32....  I was onto the last section, I was across the road and Tyndrum was now and then in sight as I turned corners.  

 

7:38....   I was going past the loch with the sword that marked a battle that happened there. One day I will stop and read what battle it is but not today.

 

7:40....  I was passing the last gate as I approached Tyndrum

 

7:42....  I had to walk.  My legs didnt have much left

 

7:43....  I mustered enough to run again.  I came onto the road where the finish was last year and it wasnt there.  Feck.  Where is it?  A marshal pointed me up a side street.

 

7:44.... I can see the finish.  Its still a bit away and I dont have seconds displayed on my Garmin.  How long until 7:45...  Cairn joins me for the last 30 meters and we run together.  Well until he slows down and I need to run away from him to make sure I stay under 7:45.

 

7:44:19....  I have finished!!!!  I am over the moon.  Nearly a 40 minute PB and I have to admit my legs feel better now than they did at 20 miles.

 

I was overjoyed and ran the final few meters with Cairn.  I couldn't believe how it had gone especially after the first 20 miles.  My support team were fantastic. All four of them - Debbie, Cairn, Thomas and Sharon. A world class support team that I hope I didn't embarrass too much.

I just want to thank my Support team so much.  If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have completed the race.  Also thank you to John and the rest of the Fling organisers.  This is one of the biggest and well run races I have ever ran.  It certainly deserves to be the biggest Ultra in the UK.

Boscombe 10k

What? Marco blogging again? And he isn't talking about sore Achiles or the West Highland Way. WTF a 10k race? Really. 

Since coming back to running in early September and finding out how much fitness you really do lose by not doing anything all summer I needed a goal to get back into the way of it. I don't know what other people do but I need a race or challenge so that I can focus on training. Without it I find it easy to miss days and not give it my all. With Debbie and I planning on visiting my brother Paul and his girlfriend Gillian in Bournemouth it seemed a great place to also do a 10k where I wouldn't know anyone and so have false expectations of trying to keep up with them. Perfect. 

So training started in September after being fixed up by Frank from Sports Medicine Science at Hampden I was then instructed to only run 100m at a time. Training with the lunch crowd I noticed they all now ran at International Standard or perhaps it was that I was just so slow now that I was just miles behind where they and I used to be. But the beauty of starting from scratch is that you quickly make fantastic gains and although they were slow to come by at the beginning by the start of November every week I was getting faster and my endurance better. Even so I knew that a 10k was going to hurt. With no 10k under my belt in over a year as well I had also forgotten how to race them too. Some people might think that is strange but I really think that if you don't continually race a distance you forget how to race it and have to relearn it by racing it a few times to get back to your best. 

Anyway enough gibber gabber. Back to the race weekend. Disaster nearly struck when Cairn was sent home for nursery with Chicken Pox and Debbie decided to stay at home to look after the wee man. I was torn what to do and so with a heavy heart I travelled to Bournemouth myself. 

Paul and Gillian have been fantastic and it has been great down here. I was getting worried by how much steak I have been eating though and how that would affect the race. When I arrived I had steak, for dinner I had steak, for lunch, yes steak.  I have to admit though Paul cooks damn good steak. He also knows a butcher that sells (what I now hope is steak from a cow) very cheap. Seriously though I have eaten very well down here and they have both made me feel so welcome. Both Paul and Gillian are fab cooks. I have had lovely chicken soup, banana cake and tablet. Yum. I needed a 10k to make space for more home cooking. 

Race morning came and I was shitting myself. Thankfully not because of the steak and also thankfully not literally as the water was off in the flat for maintenance and that would be embarrassing not being able to flush the toilet.

So we arrived at the stadium for the start of the race. Paul started to point out some fast looking guys to me. "he should win" or "keep up with that guy cause he does about 36mins". Although I wanted this to just be a fun run I was now getting into race mode and was sussing out the runners. Trying to figure them out. What could they do. But I wanted a conservative start so I just positioned myself in the middle of the pack and waited for the race to start. 

It was a strange start. All of a sudden a klaxon sounded and away we went round the track.  The runners quickly fanned out though and by the end of the loop around the track the front guys had formed a pack of 5 and were galloping off. There was another group of about 6 about 20m just in front of me. I looked at my watch and I was doing 5:40. Too fast. So I reigned it in a bit and relaxed. I felt fantastic. Now running 5:50s I noticed that the group in front weren't gaining any distance and I was now in no mans land between them and whoever was behind. So I picked up the pace and slotted behind the 2nd group of runners.

Perfect. As we ran through an expensive housing estate the wind would come and go and being tucked in helped me here. This was when I noticed the runner that Paul had pointed out to me who was "about 36 min". The thought now entered my mind that I could get 36 mins. The group started to break up now so I moved forward and kept with the lead 2 or 3. 

Still this felt easy and relaxed. There was a long way to go and I was worried about the last 2 miles. I hadn't raced at this intensity for a while and I knew it was gonna hurt then. 

The route was not an easy one. I had been told this before the race but as I ran through the housing estate that was far from my mind. Then we hit the first hill. I am seriously crap at hills at the moment. Really bad. The Killers Hill session a few weeks back had me crying for my mummy as I struggled round the loop. So it was a big surprise when we hit that first hill and the group collapsed and I found myself at he front and still feeling good. At the top though I slowed a bit intentionally and a couple of the runners caught back up. I still wanted to run in a group and didn't feel ready to go it alone yet. 

The course was now getting a bit harder. Under an underpass and then a sharp turn and through barriers. There was a lot of wee sharp turns. I didn't mind the slowing down for them. It was the speeding back up that hurt. 

Then we hit the big hill of the run at about 4 miles. A half mile slog up a steep hill just when you are starting to feel it at 4 miles. Again though I seemed to be fitter on the hill and the group collapsed again and I found my self alone. Also I started to see that the front group had collapsed too and a couple of runners that had gone off too fast had been spat out the back and looked like they were struggling. 

Now the race was going through trail paths with sharp downhills that made my tired quads scream. Now I could feel the effort and my HR monitor was agreeing. It was now reaching 170. I expected that at this point in a race though. I caught one of the lead pack runners. 

Then there was a grass section up a steep embankment. My quads turned to jelly but it wasn't too long and we were back on trail. Then back under the underpass and the dreaded barriers. 

On the other side it was back into housing estate. I was caught by a runner who seemed shocked when I shouted well done to him. Maybe that's an ultra running thing talking to the competition. :-)

Only one mile to go and some cheeky sharp uphills through the estate.  I was gaining a bit with the runner that had overtaken me but when we got to the stadium he kept the distance from me. The last section was so windy going round the track again. 

So that was it. I finished in 36:27. Very happy with that and I think I would have been closer to 36 dead on a flatter course. But that is for another day. :-)

Paul finished not long after in 40:39 and Gillian in 1:03. Both a little slower than last year but happy with how they did. 

I would certainly do the race again. A hard wee course but good and friendly. 

Coming down and seeing Paul and Gillian and spending the weekend with them has been fab. 

Results

D33

Results Garmin Connect Info

The D33 is the first race in the Scottish Ultra Marathon Series for 2011.  This is the second time that this ultra has been organised and because I did it last year I decided that I would do it this year again to see if my training was progressing forwards or backwards.  Since the Nationals I have felt a little bit more tired than usual and this has resulted in me having an easier weekend last week.  But this week I felt rejuvenated and actually started to look forward to the D33.

Last year I finished in 3 hours 57 minutes in 5th place.  I was ecstatic with how it had gone.  To be honest I was a bit more worried about this year because of that.  This year though like last I would run it as a training run.  This would mean that I would not taper and the race would be at the end of a normal training week.  Well not quite because I would take Thursday easier (aqua jogging) then train as normal on Friday before travelling to Aberdeen and racing on Saturday.  The first half of the week consisted of a hill run and two speed sessions.  So no way that I was tapering.

So we travelled up to Aberdeen on Friday and stayed at my friend Tom's house.  Waking up on Saturday I was very relaxed and didn't worry at all.  In Duffie Park I registered and said Hi to Karen and George the organisers before walking about a bit and then wandering up to the start line.

I met some of the usual faces and some new ones too at the start.  Matt Williamson and Bob Souter were both here and would be the first time I had ran a race with them.  Both are strong runners and I knew would do well.  Grant Jeans and Scott Bradley were here and a welcome return by Lucy as well.  I also met Mark Cooper for the first time as well.  Bob Malcolm, Ian Beattie and others meant that this would be a really social run..

Last year started very easy and I ran an 8 min mile.  This year my thoughts were if I did a 7 min mile I could ease back to last years pace and a PB would be certain.

George started the race and I ran with Lucy and Matt.  It really was great to see Lucy enjoying running again and she really did seem happy.  So the first mile went by quickly as I chatted away and I took a look to see I had run it at 6:45.  Result I thought.  But it felt very easy and I felt relaxed.  Lucy said to go on and so I ran up to the next group and joined in the conversation with them.  There was a runner in this group who was running in a pair of plimsoles.  I worried how his feet would feel at the end of the run.

Starting with Lucy and Matt

By the second mile I had left the group and was by myself.  I kept checking my watch and it would say under 6:50's.  But my heart rate was still under 150 so I wasn't taxing myself.  I would try to slow down but then my pace would shift back up again as if my body was actually more efficient at the faster pace.  At the 6 miles mark I crossed a main road and saw Debbie and Tom taking pictures.  It was good to see some people and have some cheers.  Looking at my watch my average pace had now dropped below 6:40 so I decided to slow a bit again.  But still my natural pace seemed to keep pushing me faster and after the next hilly section my pace had again dropped back down.  I decided now that as long as my HR didn't start to cause any concern I would stick at a pace that felt comfortable and hope that my body would feel okay for all 33 miles.

Arriving at the road crossing at 6 miles

At 8 miles there was a checkpoint and I was 5 minutes ahead of my time last year.  By now I was in the countryside.  The sun was out and I could feel the warmth from the early Spring sun.  I was glad because I had decided to just wear short sleeves today and I felt sorry for anyone with warmer clothes on.  By now I hadn't seen a runner since the second mile and in fact couldn't see anyone in the distance either but I knew from last year that a lot of people slow down in the second half of the run and I would hopefully catch them then.  I wasn't sure what position I was in either but thought I must be in top 10.  I didn't care though and just made sure that I was okay.  No 1 priority to make sure the body is fine and the race will take care of itself.  That's what Mark Johnston always tells me and so far its working.

At about 12 miles I finally caught sight of another runner in the distance.  Over the next few miles I slowly caught up with him until when I was only a couple of hundred meters from him I saw Debbie who was there to change around my bumbag just before the half way point.  But I was totally preoccupied with the guy in front and I threw the bumbag at Debbie and continued on.

Throwing my bumbag at Debbie

Instantly I felt lighter and within a minute I was right behind him.  I waited for a space and then went by.

At just before 16 miles I saw the first of the faster runners going past.  It was Grant Jeans looking relaxed with Scott Bradley hot on his heels.  I cheered both of them on.  Next was Bob Souter.  I cheered him on but he looked like he was starting to struggle a bit as he wasn't his usual cheery self.  Fourth place also looked like he was struggling and then I reached the checkpoint.  Excellent, I was in 5th place.  Spurred on and knowing that I would be able to increase the pace over the next few miles I went up a gear and was happy that the headwind instantly disappeared as it started to push me on now.

Straight away I started to go past the runners going the opposite way.  Matt wasn't far behind me and looking very relaxed.  Certainly someone that is going to do well this year.  I was so surprised at how many people cheered me on by name as I went past.  This spurred me on more and I caught 4th place quite quickly.  He stayed with me for a bit but I soon couldn't hear his steps behind me anymore.

Then I caught sight of Bob Souters blue vest in the distance.  I was surprised to catch up so soon with him so I knew that something must be wrong and as I came up behind him I could see he was limping and holding his hamstring.  When I past him I asked if he was okay and if he needed anything.  But he said he was fine and told me to get going.

The next few miles went by quickly.  I was ecstatic to be in 3rd place but knew that I had very competent runners not far behind me.  I was well aware that I hadn't refuelled since I had met Debbie and thrown my bumbag at her.  So I got back to my 30 min fuelling regime.  Because it was a faster run today my food of choice was gels, energy drink and red bull.  I quickly ate all three and felt a surge of energy and so pushed on again.  The hills I walked up last year, this felt easier this year and I was able to run up them.  This gave me more confidence and when I looked at my watch my average pace was now 6:34's and I still felt very good.

With 6 miles to go I met Debbie again.  I didn't stop but kept going.  The end was close.  But things started to go a bit wrong with 3 miles to go.  At first it was a tingling in my calves.  Then they started to twitch.  Then I felt one of them feel like it was going to cramp.  I instantly slowed the pace and it went away.

Damn I thought.  This is all I need.  If my calf cramps I might have to walk the last 3 miles and that would be the end of all my hard work.  The twitching went away so I sped up and it would come back again.  On a long straight section I stopped and looked round.  No-one was in sight so I stretched my calves.  This worked great and I managed to get going again at 6:30's.  After a mile though it came back again.  So I stopped and went through the stretching again.

Finally at the park and I again had to think where I was going like last year.  I didn't want to get lost in the last half mile.  Any moment I thought that someone would over take me.

Then I saw the finish line.  I could see everyone smiling and loads of people taking pictures.  Wow.  This is what its like to finish on the podium.   Just as I crossed the line my calf started to cramp.  No not now I thought but the moment i stopped it went away.

Finishing in 3rd position

So I finished in 3rd position in 3 hours 38 minutes.  I am very happy at that.  Looking at my stats I was at halfway in 1 hour 49 minutes and so my pacing was pretty bang on.  The only issue I had was my calves which I need to look into.

1st place Grant Jeans, 2nd place Scott Bradley and 3rd place Me

Lucy was 1st Female

Matt was 4th (With Jayne his support and me with Debbie my support)

So I just want to say thank you to my support - Debbie and Cairn and also to George, Karen and all the marshals.  It was a fab race and I hope to be back next year.

The D33 Medal

3rd Place Prize

 

West Highland Way Race 2010

WEST HIGHLAND WAY RACE 2010
5th position
18:47:34

The last two years it has been easier to write a report on the race. Why do I find it easier to write when things have gone wrong I don't know. Maybe I like the pain and suffering, the heart ache at finishing but knowing I could do better. This year things did not go to plan but I pulled through and got a time I can finally be proud of. But I never felt the pain of previous years. Dare I say it was actually easy? A race of this distance is never easy but compared to previously when I could barely walk at 30 min miles, this was a walk in the park. Firstly though I must apologize for the time it has taken to write this blog and secondly there is a lot of disgusting toilet issues in it too. Sorry.

Milngavie 19th June 2010
1am

I really didn't feel nervous this year. Maybe I should. I didn't feel nervous last year and that all went tits up. So in reality I felt nervous at not feeling nervous. This year I had six months of fantastic training and two good races behind me. I was in a completely different last year - both physically and mentally.
Supporting me this year was ever present Rob, who has supported me in most of my ultras and has a great calming affect on everyone. New boy John - his first venture into support had been on the fling and I was finding that he was great addition. I liked his attention to detail in getting things right and from Beinglas onwards Athole. Another old timer in the support team. Always dependable and this year helped me really come through at a major part of the race. More on that later.
Anyway. I had the best team bar none. In this race you rely on these guys to pull you through and these guys excelled.

Back to the start and I was just sitting back in the car eating cashew nuts. In my own wee world. My mum and dad came to wish me luck and it was great to see them. They get worried about me doing stuff like this and I didn't make it any better when I started to tell them about the medical issues you can have. I told them about how it was bad to drink too much and my dad asked "Why?" to which I, quoting Dr Ellis the race doctor, said "Cause you will die.". I immediately regretted saying it and did wonder if they slept more than me that night or not.

Milngavie to Drymen
12.14 miles
1 hour 51min 19s

Dario was everywhere tonight in spirit. I had only known him a short number of years but when he died it was devastating. Our last conversation together was at Ian Beatties BBQ a week after last years race. I was barely able to walk and standing was difficult too. Dario said that perhaps I wasn't suited to races over 50 miles. The WHW was perhaps a step too far. He wasn't the first person to say that. My support team had and also members at my running club. They were all right because performances up to that time showed that. I just wish it hadn't been the last conversation I had with Dario. He never said it in a bad way, people that knew him know that he didn't have a bad bone in his body. He said it like a father to a son sort of way. He was the wise one passing on knowledge to me.

After a minutes applause for Dario, Gilian (Dario's widow) started the race.

And so it had started and I just started walking. I let everyone run ahead and I walked up the stairs at the start. It's a long race and you don't win by setting records in the first 100 meters.
That was the first thing I learnt this year training. Take care of yourself and the race will take care of itself.
I then started to run with Debbie. I think that she was amazed that we were running together. I felt good and relaxed. I tried to pick my mum and dad out from the crowd. A dog was running all about under our feet and I was laughing. Only a WHW start would be so comical. A hundred odd lycra clad weirdos, running past young neds in a posh suburb of Glasgow, with loads of spectators cheering us on while a dog did it's upmost to trip us all up.

When I had ran in the Fling I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere as I left Milngavie. I was chatting and laughing and I enjoying myself. So in the WHW I really thought that because it was an even slower pace I would settle back and chat and laugh with everyone again. But this was not the case. The atmosphere was tense and you could have cut it with a knife. No one said a word. I came to the first hill and walked easily up it. Back running again and out of Mugdock park. Past Dumgoyach hill I glanced back at the centipede of head torch lights all the way up the hill. Still no one spoke.
I am running beside another runner. He is absolutely gasping for air running side by side with me. I glance over to see him sweating buckets. I just want to say to him "please slow down". I wonder what happened to that runner. I hope he finished okay.

Past the Beech Trees pub and I met my support team for the first time. A quick swap of bumbags with them and I was fully stocked up with supplies for the rest of the trip to Drymen.
Now and then the silence was broken by a cautious "thank you" as runners held open the gates for each other.

Then the silence was shattered. I caught up with Sharon Law. Debbie's best pal and first girl in last years race. Nickname - Gibbering Midget. Dressed in her trademark hot pants even although it was only 2am
Straight away she was discussing toilet issues and farting like a trooper. To be honest so was I. My stomach wasn't feeling too good and I could feel the energy drink sloshing about. A sort of glug glug feeling. Not to worry. It is expected when you are trying to eat at this time in the morning.

Drymen to Rowardennan
15.03 miles
2 hours 37 mins 16s
4:28:45 total (27.18m)

I met my support team again just before Drymen. It was just a check to make sure I was okay and apart from my dodgy stomach I was fantastic. The easy pace that I was going felt extremely good and I was relaxed and confident that the training I had done in the last six months would see me through. The Fling had given me the confidence that a slow start pays dividends in the end.
Through the Drymen checkpoint. I hate this checkpoint. You can't see anyone because it's dark and peoples torches shine in your face. I like to just get through this one as soon as possible and so I asked my support to meet me in the car park in the woods after Drymen.
So there I swap my my bumbag again for fresh supplies and continue on.
I don't feel as good as I did at the same section on the Fling though. My stomach is starting to dictate my running speed and I have to slow down when I feel my stomach going. Still I am going past people. People that have gone to fast at the beginning.
The sun is coming up now and it looks like it will be a lovely day.
I catch Donna Utakis on the way down Conic Hill. She speeds up when she sees me but I soon catch up again as we come into Balmaha. There is still a long way to go but I will see Donna again later.

Now I decide that I must stop and try to fix my stomach. At this point in the race 10 minutes fixing this will gain me so much extra time later on. I stop at Balmaha and notice a confused look from my support. So I go into the toilets at Balmaha.

I spend a long 8 minutes on the toilet. Not much to show for it though. I manage to pee down the back of my shorts and do a lot of farting. There is a bit of mucous but not much of anything else. (I am sorry for the descriptions)

My stomach does feel better though so off I go again. I pass George Cairns which means my pacing must be bang on and I haven't lost too much time. Walking up the hill from Balmaha I meet Stan Bland. I feel good and I have a laugh with him. By myself now and just me and my thoughts as I push on for Rowardennan.
I ran this section with John Kynaston recently and feel like I know every hill and every boulder. I am relaxed and feeling good. Everything is going to plan but every now and then I get a stomach issue. Slow down it goes away for a while and then comes back. Slow down again or walk and it goes away for a bit longer. Speed up and after a while it comes back again. I feel like I am on a tight rope and there is no way that I am gonna stay on that rope all day.

Into Rowardenan and I think about stopping again but the slow then fast running is working and keeping any accidents at bay and I decide against it.

Rowardennan to Beinglas
13.98 miles
2 hours 45 mins 29s
7:14:03 total time (41.15m)

My support team have Weetabix ready for me here. One of my plans this year is to try to keep my stomach working for as long as possible in the hope I will feel stronger later on. The weetabix goes down a treat as I walk through Rowardennan.
I see Thomas "The Crazy German". We have trained so much together this year. I wave over to him. Out of everyone I know that is running the race this year I want him to finish so much. Even if I struggled myself I would feel better knowing he had finished. He had had a few issues in the four weeks prior to the race with his shin but seemed to get better in the week before. I just hoped his shin would hold out.

I walk out of Rowardennan with my support team. They are making sure that everything is okay. Shoes, food, stomach. Stomach still dodgy but manageable. It should go away soon.

Thomas catches up and my support wave goodbye. It will be a long time before I see them again in Beinglas. Thomas and I walk out up the hill at Rowardennan but Thomas complains that my walking is the same speed as his running and so runs away up the hill faster than me. I think that he will only run a bit and then stop and I will catch him. But he doesn't. He just keeps running all the way into the distance and I wonder if I will see him again. I hoped he will be okay.

My quads are sore now. Why are my quads sore. They never hurt at all in the Fling so why after only 30 odd miles are they hurting now. I start thinking that the only things it can be is that stupid 3 week taper has de-trained me or perhaps the 1am start has made me tired. Maybe next year I will shorten my taper I think to myself.

Before long I am in Inversnaid and the Trossachs Mountain Rescue team are there with supplies and our drop bags. Also there is Thomas. Thomas? I didn't think I was gonna see him until much later. I run towards him happy that we can run the next section together. But he is not happy. In fact he looks broken and finished and I fear the worst. He looks at me and mumbles about his shin giving him grief. Compared to how I saw him as he left Rowardennan he is a shadow of himself as he limps out of Inversnaid. I finish getting my drop bag from the MR team and catch up with the crazy German.
I ask him if he needs help or painkillers. He tells me to go on. He is struggling to get down the small hills now and asks me to go ahead and let Silke know about his shin. I don't feel as bad leaving him now that I have a job to do but I know now that his race is finished and I feel awful for him. I fear that this will be the last time he will attempt the WHW and I selfishly fear that without a common goal in life we will lose contact. But I can't think like that now. I have a job to do and I must get help for my friend and let his wife Silke know he is in trouble.

But as Beinglas gets closer I can't get Thomas out of my head. It's just not fair. I so wanted him to finish this year and after his fling performance I thought it was a dead cert.

Then my stomach problems come back with a bang and instantly bring me back to my race. Okay I need to forget Thomas now and get back to me.

The day is really turning out to be a belter. There isn't a cloud in the sky but luckily I am still in the shade of the surrounding hills.

Just before Beinglas farm there is a hill at the top of the Loch. I always think of Dario here and my thoughts go back to him not being about this year. I turn round to look at the view down the loch to see Thomas flying along towards me looking great. Fantastic I think. Thomas is back.
As I come down the hill into Beinglas I see Rob and let him know about Thomas so that he can use the walkie talkies to let Silke know. I can hear everyones concerned voices as Rob let's them know so I shout that he looks a lot better now and not to worry.

At last Beinglas and I decide to change my shoes into my road shoes. Straight away I feel lighter and curse that I didn't start out with them.

Beinglas to Auchtentyre Farm
9.56 miles
2 hours 8 minutes 30s
9:27:11 total time (50.82m)

I was out of Beinglas quite fast considering I had changed my shoes. But I walked the first bit as I refuelled. John walked beside me and it was good to talk to someone. The start time of the race makes it even harder on the body. When I was at Beinglas in the fling I felt fresh but this time the hours of no sleep was taking it's toll. Not even half way I thought. My quads feel trashed, my stomach issues are still continuing to be well an "issue" and I am so tired. Not physically. Mentally.
I leave John and continue up and down the hills towards Crianlarich. It is now that I take the decision that I must try to fix the stomach issues. I need to stop now or else I will get slower and slower until I have to walk the final 20 miles. I won't do that again and risk not running for 6 months. Sure a goblet is a great thing to have and want but in the end I have had 2 previous races where I have had to push right to the end and it has done me no good whatsoever.
I find a giant rock and crouch behind it. Nothing much came out. A lot of air again but really not enough to solve the issues. I tried to massage my stomach and try to force something out. Why was this happening? I had done everything right over the last 6 months. Trained properly, ate and drank properly. Why why WHY?
I crouched. 5 minutes, 6 minutes. Thomas and another guy went flying past. Thomas looked very strong. It was like his twin brother had taken over at Beinglas. He was a different man. Not wanting to attract attention to me and my bare bum I didn't shout over but inside I wished him well and doubted I would see him again. I felt broken.

I got going again but it did feel a bit stop and start. I was glad when I got to the A82 crossover as now I would have an excuse to walk.
I had to do something to light the spark again. So I started to listen to music. I cheered up a lot but still I wasn't going anywhere fast. I needed more and more breaks and I could see Thomas far in the distance getting further and further away.

Then a thud on my back. Well more of a pat but it startled me. It was George Cairns. He said something but it was drowned out by Pendulum on my iPod. I wasn't sure what he said and my reply must have been unintelligible, but I think I may have managed a half smile. He disappeared hot on the tail of the crazy German. Maybe I should drop out I thought. This was getting worse and I was finished. The first year I had to walk 12 miles, last year 20 odd miles. I really can't walk any more than that. I don't want to be the person that could do better. Not again. I would rather drop out. My support could go home and not waste any more time on this fruitless task and I could go and support Debbie.

NO I must get myself together. If George Cairns has only just passed me then I am still on for a good time I thought. If only I can get myself together. The stomach issues were now worse than ever. Every step I could feel it sloshing and gurgling. I was scared that wind would turn out to be something messier if I pushed it.
But I don't think that the stomach issues should be stopping me from running. Okay they won't help and will mean that I will need to go slower but they shouldn't stop me from running at all. Have I eaten enough? Have I drank enough? I had been eating and drinking very well up to Rowardennan but I had struggled drinking my energy drink from Rowardennan to Beinglas.
Okay it could be lack of energy as well as stomach problems I thought.
As I limped into Crianlarich and met my support I had decided I would stop here and sort this once and for all.

I must have looked a sorry state cause my team didn't look as cheery as they had been. I didn't want to let them down and although this looked bad and me stopping probably looked really bad from experience I knew I had to sort it now. Athole had joined the team now and I was embarrassed that he once again was seeing me broken.

Toilet roll in hand I was off to the bushes. This time though I had food and coke. In one end and out the other I was hoping. I was there 10 minutes and there was a lot of strange noises and more horrible mucus. Walkers came past but I didn't care. I ate jelly babies and drank coke. I could feel the energy seeping back to me.

The section towards the wigwams wasn't much better. My stomach was still gurgling and I was feeling sorry for myself. The highs at the start had vanished and now I must just hold on. More people past me and I didn't care.

I reached the wigwams and said to my team that I would have to try the toilet again. I had to wait for the toilet to become free and then spent a long time trying to force something out. Again air and mucous. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to just stay in the toilet. Now and then Athole would knock the door to ask if I was okay and awake me from my half asleep state. I just need 5 more minutes I would say. Nothing was working and I was getting ready for yet another demoralising walk to the end.

Suddenly a cheer awoke me from my daze. I shot out of the toilet to see Sharon gayly dance by smiling at everyone. I met John from my support and felt like crying as I remembered the mocking I got from Debbie when she reminded me that I was well and truly beaten by a girl last year. I whimpered to John. "I have really fucked this up. Sharon is gonna beat me by miles again." He answered cooly and calmly that there was a long way to go and I was still looking good. I didn't believe the looking good bit but he was right about the long way.

Auchtentyre to Bridge of Orchy
9.73 miles
2 hours 5 minutes 43s
11:32:55 total time (60.55m)

So I refueled up again and chased after Sharon. Before long I was catching her. I felt great. Then my stomach would strike again and I would slow down. "Fuck, Fuck, FUCK"
I just wanted to scream. I would slow down and she would put distance between us. Then I would catch up, then my stomach, then slow down, then she would put more distance again.
Then I really had to stop. Emergency touching cloth stuff. I found a bush and crouched, knowing that Sharon was getting away again. It was a relief as this time something came out. "whew at last" I thought.
I checked my bumbag for my emergency toilet roll. " damn". I had used it all up at Beinglas and hadn't restocked.
I looked about for leaves or moss or something but the only thing available was sunbaked arse stabbing grass. I used it and really worried that I was gonna have the chaffing from hell tomorrow.
So I started to run after Sharon again. God my bum is killing me already. I turned round to find that I was still trailing half the grass behind me as it stuck out of my shorts.
"This really isn't my day today" I thought.

I reached Tyndrum and was surprised to see Sharon still there. I walked straight through as my support team followed me and fed me. On the hill Sharon caught up and we walked together. It was good to have a chat with someone. She looked so fresh that I was amazed she had ran the same 53 miles I had. We ran together most of the way to Bridge of Orchy and chatted. It was good to take my mind away from the race and everything else that had bugged me today. It felt just like a training run.
By the time I reached Bridge of Orchy I was ahead of Sharon. I met my support team and walked with them for a bit. I real wanted to fuel up here in readiness for Rannoch Moor.
I was eating boiled potatoes when suddenly I felt very tired again. As I told my support team that I had to sit down I could see the more worried looks on their faces.

Bridge of Orchy to GlenCoe
10.50 miles
2 hours 16 minutes 47s
13:49:45 total time (71.07m)

Then I saw Sharon galloping up the hill again and this made me move.
I walked up the hill half dazed and feeling very tired. I saw a saltire flag in the distance and immediately knew it must be Murdo. I cheered up as I approached him and tried to look happy at the prospect of all the miles left. I thought I was doing a really good job of looking happy as he gave me a jelly baby but later after the race Murdo told me that he thought I was completely finished.
Sharon again gleefully overtook me but I caught up again at Victoria Bridge although she kept a small distance between us this time. Perhaps she is bored of my chat.
As I started the climb into Rannoch Moor another chap catches up with me and we start talking. It was good to talk with someone on the hill but soon he is too fast for me and runs away.
Along the moor we pass walkers. Sharon is still ahead and she is running well were else I am run/walking. Paranoia sets in as I think the walkers are laughing at me chasing after a wee girl unable to catch her. Sharon looking fit while I am blowing up big time.

As we continue I just accept that this is what happens at nearly 70 miles and that I will never be able to have a really good race.

As I approach the Checkpoint at Glencoe I overtake Sharon again. To our teams it must look like we have ran the last few sections together but we haven't. There is a big difference between us though. Sharon is cheery and light on her feet but I am glum, heavy and want to sleep. Debbie's support are there too. It's the first time I have seen them and the thought is now that Debbie will also catch me too. I ask how she is doing and she is having a great run and they expect to see her in less than half an hour. I calculate that if she hasn't caught me by Kinlochleven it will be soon after.

Glencoe to Kinlochleven
10.55 miles
2 hours 11 minutes 48s
16:01:39 total time (81.60m)

My support team look even more worried. They pack me off before I want to go but they are doing their job admirably. That is what they need to do. Tell me to get going when everything in my body is telling me to stop. The mile odd down to Kinghouse feels like an eternity as I run down having left the checkpoint with Sharon. I am fading again though and let her go on. I immediately eat loads of Jelly babies, a gel and a caffeine shot.
Feeling the energy inside me I catch Sharon again and we run to the bottom of Devils staircase together. My legs feel goosed now so I ask my team for pain killers.
I am fatigued, my stomach is achy and I don't want to be here anymore.

Athole forces me to eat more and I guzzle down more jelly babies. I tell him that I never want to run this race again. Too much time has been spent training for the exact same outcome year in year out. I can't be bothered ever again training for this race.

The walk up the Devils Staircase is a nightmare and my legs are buckling beneath me. I can't believe that such an easy hill is killing me. I look back to see Sharon (behind me again) but catching up quickly. Not again I think.

Then at the top I see Donna Utakis away in the distance. The jelly babies kick in and I am away. I run all the way down to the bottom and then continue running up the next hill. I look around and Sharon is still not at the top yet. Maybe I could try to get to the top of the next hill before Sharon gets to the top of the staircase. I set myself the challenge and run. All the way. No stomach problems, no fatigue, no leg issues.
I run and run. As I go over the hill I look back and Sharon is no where to be seen.
Donna is in the distance still and I set my next challenge. Could I overtake her at the same place she overtook me 2 years before.
I run, nothing is stopping me. I feel light and bouncy on my feet. One minute Donna is a speck in the distance the next I overtake her exactly at the spot from 2 years previous.
What can my next challenge be? I want to make my support team proud and happy again.

I refuel. More jelly babies and a gel and then shoot off. Passed an American guy and someone else. I can't believe how easy this is now. How can I run like this when I was done in just an hour before. As I run I am already making plans for next years race.
Then I catch a glimpse of Thomas. The hill down to Kinlochleven has taken it's toll and he is badly limping. But I am happy for him. He has got this far and he will finish now even if it means he has to walk. We talk briefly but I am on too much of a high to stop for long and I push on.
I catch someone else and then as I enter Kinlochleven I see Rob in the distance. He is walking up the hill and is very surprised to see me. He fumbles for the Walkie-talkie and I can hear him having to tell John twice in disbelief. "Marco is having a storming section. He will be with you in 5 mins"

I am absolutely glowing with pride as I run into Kinlochleven, 30 minutes ahead of schedule for that section. This may work out after all for me I think.

I literally fly into the Community Centre as Neal Gibson meets me. I tell him that there is no way I will beat his 18:42 time. He answers back "i know". There is no way I could get to Fort William in two and a half hours. So I don't even think about it again.

It was great seeing Caroline, Neal and Silke at the Community Centre. The race doctor shouted something over to me but I never caught what it was and was scared to ask again. As I arrived there I saw the person one place in front of me suddenly stand up and tear away. I let him go. I will refuel again and then I will catch you soon enough I thought. I was feeling fantastic and very confident.

Kinlochleven to Fort William
No data as watch battery ran out
18:47:34 total time (95m est)

Running around the corner just before the hill out of Kinlochleven I met my support and made sure I ate a lot. More rocket fuel Jelly Babies and another Gel. I was guzzling the sugar down and I certainly was using it up too.
I galloped up the hill and caught the guy in front in no time. He looked like he was struggling but to be honest so did everyone apart from me. I am not trying to be big headed about this but I really did feel like I was flying here. It was as if everyone was going in slow motion.

The Larig Mor was a tremendous experience. I ran most of it. Dancing around the rocks and running all the way. Now and then I would walk and eat more Jelly Babies. No wonder Angela Mudge swears by these I thought. I couldn't believe the difference between now and the last 2 years. I couldn't believe that my body could run like this after 80 odd miles.

Into Lundavra and I change into my lighter tshirt. It is warm but there is also a strong head wind all the way. My support team are excited. I am so happy that they are now and I am at last doing this race in the manner that they deserve.
But they are excited for other reasons. John and Rob tell me I am in 6th position with Kate Jenkins just in front but struggling badly.
Another challenge I think and I refuel with the magic babies again.
A steady climb and my legs feel as fresh as the start.

At the top I catch sight of a figure in the distance. That must be Kate I think and it spurs me on again. Running like there is no tomorrow. She looks back, sees me and also picks up the pace. Kate is a fabulous runner but can also be pretty scary. I had overtaken her before 2 years ago and I remember asking her if she was okay in which her reply would have made a soldier blush. And so with some in-trepidation I caught Kate and honestly she couldn't have been nicer.
She said that she couldn't believe how well I was running but she also asked where the second placed female was. (Kate was in first). I told her that Donna Utakis was at least an hour behind. Kate relaxed a bit and seemed to go down a gear now and I ran on. I felt bad for thinking that she might be in a bad mood as she was so pleasant.

I ran on through the wood and out at the top of the hill to the most marvellous sight. Ben Nevis and in the distance Fort William. I looked at my watch to check what time I was on. It was the first time I had looked at it since Kinlochleven and it was as dead as a dodo. So much for the 20 hour battery life that the Garmin 310xt is meant to have. I was sure that I was well under the 20 hour mark but by how much. I wasn't sure and by now time was a blur.

I decided to take it a bit easier now and keep some energy for the last straight and have, for once a strong finish. I started to look at the scenery and enjoy myself. I was nearly in tears as I knew I had at last done the race proud with the thought that Dario had helped me from up above.

Just then I heard what sounded like a bear behind me. I looked round still with tears in my eyes and so could hardly make out what it was.
"Donna" i spurted out as I thought it was Donna Utakis. Immediately I thought of the rubbish information I had given Kate. Oh no she was so nice to me. She won't be that nice next time she sees me.
But it wasn't Donna it was Thomas. In utter disbelieve I called out "Thomas". Believe me when I tell you that he was that broken at Kinlochleven that I thought it would be hours before I would have seen him again.

But Thomas didn't answer me. He was completely focused. A man on a mission. So I turned round and ran as fast as my legs could go. Immediately I regretted my decision. Should I slow down and we can run in together I thought. I wanted too but what happens if Thomas doesn't and I have surrendered my lead to him.

As I ran down towards the brave heart car park so many feelings went through my head. I wanted to run with Thomas so much but I also wanted to finish in 5th. But he is my friend and we have trained all year together. I should wait for him.
I changed my mind so many times. I was scared to look back incase Thomas saw it and thought I was weakening. I didn't know where he was or what he was doing.
In my mind I just saw his face totally committed.

I made my decision and pushed on. I had heard before about ultra races that ended up sprints on the last mile and here it was happening to me. God I really didn't want to have to do this with anyone let alone Thomas.

My legs were screaming any moment I feared something would twang. But I had to give it my all. Into Braveheart carpark and my support were there with my Garscube vest.
"No time" I shouted "Thomas is right behind me". I threw my bumbag at John (and felt really bad for doing so) and then ran on.

Moving from the downhill to the flat nearly killed me. The effort was multiplied but I had to go on. My support drove past me. I was praying that they would say that Thomas was no-where to be seen but instead they shouted "Thomas is 10 seconds behind you"
I wanted to look. I couldn't believe that he could have kept up with the pace I was doing down the hill. Was my team lying to get me to go faster? I didn't know but I couldn't look. I couldn't give Thomas the advantage of seeing me look.
My legs complained every stride I took. "where is the effin 30 signs" I cursed.
I wasn't sure I could keep up this speed for much longer but I had to try.
Then there it was. The 30mph signs. Like an oasis in a desert. Nearly there. So close.
I ran at full speed along the road, straight over the middle of the roundabout. I didn't care anymore. I just kept my fingers crossed that the cars would slow down and avoid me.

Then I saw the leisure centre and the glorious finish line. I thought that Thomas might appear at anytime and beat me to it. To be honest if anyone was ever to beat me I would always want it to be Thomas. But after the effort I had just put in I didn't want it to be for nothing.
Into the car park and there was a huge cheer. Up to the door and I was finished.
I was beyond happy. It had been hard work but I had finished it under 20 hours. Actually well under I finished in 18:47:34 and in 5th place. At last a result that I could be proud of.

Thomas finished 2 minutes later. I was even happier that finally he had the race he deserved but I felt guilty that we hadn't come in together.

Richie was there waiting having finished first and proved to be a very popular winner. Over 2 hours quicker than me. Amazing.

Debbie took what must be the best improved time of the year. 10 hours off her PB to finish in a marvelous 20:58:36. The gibbering midget finished in 20:12:29. John Kynaston struggled this year a bit but dug deep and finished in 22:15:02.
This was just some of the amazing performances that people had.

So, it took me longer to finish the blog than the race. But here I am at the end of it. I just want to say thank you so much to my support team. Rob, John and Athole. They were absolutely fantastic. I would also like to thank Mark for all his training help. Helping me to make a plan, coaching me and making sure I RELAX. Also Graeme for helping me with my zones, nutrition and the odd email or 10. I would like to also thank the organisers of the race for all the fantastic work they did and making Dario very proud I am sure.
So many people helped me and listened to me chat on and on about this race. Thank you to you all.

So to next year........

Jack Shirley Memorial Handicap and 2009

The Jack Shirley Handicap race is held every year at around about Hogmany. It is in memorial of Jack who was killed in 1995 in a cycling accident and remembered fondly by Jon and Jude Austin who organise the race.
I had won the fastest time last year but I wasn't the fastest as Stephen Mulrine was but also happened to be first and so couldn't win both prizes. Not expecting the race to be ran today I did a 10 mile run yesterday and so when I arrived at just after 11 I was surprised to see a crowd had gathered already.

I was second last to start this year with Mulrine being the scratch runner. This year the race would be run backwards (not the runners but the course). This meant that the race would have a tough steep hill in the first mile. With no warm up and the freezing conditions I decided to take the first mile very easy and hopefully push the last section. A gradual descent past the Rangers Training ground and back to the start.

The first mile went well and the icy underfoot wasn't too bad. I had to run most of it on the road though so there was a lot of traffic dodging. As I came down from the first hill there is a stream to cross. This was very icy so I had to walk over it. At this point I could hear Stephen catching up with me. Damn, I had taken it to easy at the beginning. Back up another hill and again I took it easy. No point killing myself up these hills. The flat is coming and I want to be fresh for that. More sections of snow and ice and I nearly fell. Onto a flatter section and I could see that Stephen was at least 20 seconds behind me. Good he hasn't caught me up anymore and I still feel fresh.
Now onto the last big hill. It was completely iced up and I slid and flapped. But there was a narrow band of grit along the side that I managed to get purchase on. I started to pass some runners now. Down the hill it was still slidey and I had to take care on the bends. Slowing to a walking pace. Then I hit the gritted last road.
Wham... I started to feel as if I was flying. I passed more runners and looked at my watch. I was 5 minute mileing. It may have only been for a few moments but I was under that too. For a full mile there was no stopping me and then came the last corner, full of snow. Slowing back to a crawl (a painfully slow crawl) as I slid about in my DS Trainers.
Then the final push to the end.
I felt good but it would all count for nothing if Stephen was right behind me still.
He wasn't and I won the fastest time. 24:42. 10 seconds slower than last year and a minute slower than my best but still with the conditions I was pleased. I do have to admit that I liked running it the opposite way.

One thing I was very pleased with though was that I actually stuck to my tactics. The same ones I used during the Cross Countries late last year. Start conservatively and finish strong. It's working so far and feels a heck of a lot better than struggling at the end.

The pace is the green bar. Starting slow and finishing strong. (Mark you would be so pleased)

2009 Totals

Last year I had a few struggles but still managed to clock up 2178 miles. That is my highest yearly mileage yet. I am pretty pleased with that but my training during the year was rotten. I started off strong and fell apart. But I feel that I have learnt a lot and so I am planning ahead. I already have a plan that I am putting my finishing touches too. Last year I didn't have a plan. So that is a step in the right direction. I will post it soon.

Monthly mileage for 2009

One thing that I found interesting is the last two months, November and December. I haven't done a lot of long runs just consistent training and the mileage is some of the highest of the whole year. Compared to the months earlier in the year when most high mileage months consisted of long runs and inconsistent training. My new training plan is based more on consistency. Well only time will tell if it works or not.